Established in 2013, External Development Summit (XDS) is the only annual, international games industry event with a primary focus on external development for art, animation, audio, software engineering, QA and localization.
XDS gathers hundreds of international attendees from over 45 countries to advance the practice of external development for the games industry with three days of structured networking in Vancouver, Canada, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. XDS is considered to be a professionals-only event.
From the first keynote to the final remarks, XDS focuses on four core values:
- Knowledge Sharing
- B2B Networking
- Collaboration
- Industry Stewardship
In 2020, we made the difficult but right decision to deliver XDS20 Adapt as a virtual experience. Based on attendee and sponsor feedback, the event was an unprecedented success. The ever-changing nature of the global health situation will inform the direction for XDS 2021, which will be announced in the New Year.
Who attends XDS?
As a professionals-only event, XDS attendees include a concentrated group of game developers, service providers, and middleware providers from over 45 countries. Individuals in attendance are the influencers and decision makers for external development for their respective organizations. XDS aims to maintain a balanced ratio of 50/50 buyers to sellers.
Developers/
Publishers
Companies that exclusively develop their own IP, and/or publish games. These companies are clients to Service Providers.
NOTE: Does not include Service Providers that develop their own IP.
Service Providers
A 3rd party company that provides work-for-hire or full SKU development services for clients.
NOTE: It is possible these companies also develop their own IP, however they are still considered to be in the Service Provider category.
Middleware Providers
A 3rd party company that provides tools and technologies that support the practice of external development.
Could include tools for remote review, communication, project management, file transfer, etc.
XDS will consider attendance from others, including those from the media, film, TV and animation. Email info@xdsummit.com for more information.
XDS Lifetime Achievements
125%
Growth in Attendance
14300
Contacts & Followers
$82K
Donated to Charitable Initiatives
4Years
Tickets Sold Out
14400
B2B Meetings
Latest Blogs &
News Event
Jan26th
2021: A Defining Year for XDS and External Development
2020 was a year of challenges for external development But as we reflect on the past twelve months, it's cle...
Read More
Jan6th
XDS 2020 Insights Report on External Development
We are excited to share the XDS 2020 Insights Report on External Development with our industry The report is i...
Read MoreXDS Webinar Series
As we strive to continuously advance external development for the games industry, we look for new and interesting ways to share expert knowledge. XDS Webinar Series offers presentations from games industry professionals sharing invaluable insights from either a Developer/Publisher or Service Provider perspective.